Jobs!

[DaveC]

I'm 27 - I needs a new job (digital is kicking projectionists arses) and am struggling to work out what to do.

My goal is to be an author, but can't motivate myself to write because I always find better things to do online (you guys!), or watching films.

I have my 2.1 degree in Film Studies but have no idea what to do with it. I've thought about journalsim, but have no experience and don't have the money to volunteer work.

My partner is understandably frustrated about my dithering in this matter!

Anyone got any stories/ideas for me?

[pip]

Odd coincidence but I'm writing a talk right now for a school on careers in geography.
Sadly no use to you.

[DaveC]

Odd coincidence but I'm writing a talk right now for a school on careers in geography.
Sadly no use to you.

I do seem to be slightly better at Geograpghy now than when I was in school!

[pip]

Its odd because i didn't study geography in school but hey whatever pays the bills.

[chris.ph]

dont go into building work at the moment, its bloody tough at the moment

[DaveC]

dont go into building work at the moment, its bloody tough at the moment

Don't have the musceles for that kind of thing, I'm a weedy chap!

[Jan Van Quirm]

Most successful writers including Terry, all say the same thing - if you can't do any writing, read and if you can't get into reading, write. Just do one or the other. Anything at all and see how it goes

With Terry it's so obvious that he reads very widely and thoroughly and so it follows that the more input you work at, the easier the inspiration comes. Inspiration comes as it will and to a large extent other people can't give it to you - you have to be enthralled and fascinated and only you can create that hunger for want of a better term. Experience helps to and oneo of the best ways to get that is to be around people a lot. observing and joining in occasionally. The best books are all about people and they weakness and pleasures and emotions. Possibly this is why you're now feeling restless in a job where you don't get enough socialising?

I'm probably saying it wrong, but it comes down to this - if you're looking for an original story then you can't really expect other people to provide one for you, because if you don't find it yourself, then you most likely aren't going to get too far with it?

Hope this helps a little

[DaveC]

Most successful writers including Terry, all say the same thing - if you can't do any writing, read and if you can't get into reading, write. Just do one orn the other. Anything at all and see how it goes

With Terry it's so obvious that he reads very widely and thoroughly and so it follows that the more input you work at, the easier the inspiration comes. Inspiration comes as it will and to a large extent other people can't give it to you - you have to be enthralled and fascinated and only you can create that hunger for want of a better term. I'm probably saying it wrong, but it comes down to this - if you're looking for a story don't expect other people to provide one for you, because if you don't find it yourself then you most likely won't get too far with it?

Hope this helps a little

Very good advice thanks.

Most of the time I have stories or scenes buzzing around in my head so much, but my trouble is keeping the Word window open for long enough to write anything...

[Jan Van Quirm]

Dave I edited a little as you replied - definitely get another job around people. You need to get out of the screening room and be with interesting people more.

[DaveC]

Dave I edited a little as you replied - definitely get another job around people. You need to get out of the screening room and be with interesting people more.

That's a weird one. I stayed in the job so long mainly because I like the people. But my other friends have kind of fallen by the wayside because of my awkard hours.

Now my best has a baby, so if get a better job it'll almost be a role reversal!

[Who's Wee Dug]

Write what you know about,and jot it down when you think of it that may mean pen and paper.

[Penfold]

DaveC, I read that you considered journalism but had no experience. Our local paper is always advertising journalism courses at one of the local colleges. Is there something similar in your area? Or a correspondence course in it maybe, with a view to becoming a reviews writer for your local paper. With your degree in film studies, I don't know if this is practical for you but it might be worth a try.

[DaveC]

DaveC, I read that you considered journalism but had no experience. Our local paper is always advertising journalism courses at one of the local colleges. Is there something similar in your area? Or a correspondence course in it maybe, with a view to becoming a reviews writer for your local paper. With your degree in film studies, I don't know if this is practical for you but it might be worth a try.

Have thought about it but it would means surviving on very little money while doing so.

What I should've done was got some proper experience/placements between years at uni, instead of working at a newsagent, then Waitrose!

[Batty]

Most of the time I have stories or scenes buzzing around in my head so much, but my trouble is keeping the Word window open for long enough to write anything...

Have you thought of getting a voice recorder? Maybe you could dictate the story as you think of it, and then type it up later?

[DaveC]

I've got one, bit bulky, though. Could use my phone if I remember!